07 June 2024

The Australian Helicopter Industry Future Fund (AHIFF) has announced the six young recipients from around Australia who have won scholarships to further their engineering study.

Australian Helicopter Industry Association (AHIA) President and AHIFF Board Member Ray Cronin announced the winners as part of tonight's RotorTech 2024 Industry Dinner.

The six winners are first year engineering apprentices who will receive a $3000 scholarship to help the continuation of their studies.

The winners of the AHIFF Scholarship for 2024 are:

• Shadae Boylan - Heli-Muster NT (NT)
• Mark Fetherston - HeliFlite (WA)
• Simon McLaine - Helicopter Resources (Tas)
• Max Peisley - Helico Australia (Qld)
• Heath Harris - Sydney Helicopters (NSW)
• Fergus Grubb - Yungar Aviation Services (Vic)

The AHIFF was created three years ago when prominent helicopter industry leader John Cameron approached the AHIA to donate $500,000 to help further the industry.

"It was a magnificant contribution to the industry so we took those funds and started the not-for-profit Australian Helicopter Industry Future Fund," said Ray.

"The purpose of the foundation is to encourage the entrants we need into the industry, engineers, pilots, safety officers, whatever the needs of the industry demands.

"Tonight, these scholarships will tackle sustainability in the industry and ensure trainees complete their apprenticeships."